Outdoor retailer expo to boost Salt Lake City businesses

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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market -- the biggest convention to come to downtown Salt Lake City -- is just days away.

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

When: Aug. 3 - Aug. 6
Time: Tuesday - Thursday: 9 am - 6 pm
Friday: 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center (100 South West Temple)
For more information click here

Last year the economy took its toll on the show and numbers were down. This year, pre-registration shows everything is back on track.

Big preparations are in the works not just for the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, but for the local businesses that will profit from the influx of visitors.

"All of our ducks in a row, get everything as planned out as possible," said Fred Moesinger, owner of Café Molise located just a half block east of the Salt Palace where the convention will take place.

**By the numbers: Utah Outdoor Recreation Industry**

• $5.8 billion: Annual contribution to Utah's economy • $4 billion: Annual retail sales and services across Utah • $300 million: Annual state tax revenues • 65,000: jobs supported by outdoor recreation - *Salt Lake City*

The four-day convention will help fill every table in this downtown restaurant for lunch and dinner, plus private parties on the patio. "It's a great busy spurt in the middle of summer," Moesinger said.

Last year, Salt Lake City saw a successful but somewhat subdued convention.

Chip Smith with SOAR Communications, a spokesman for the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, said, "We actually were down a little bit, but not as bad as other shows."

But this year, the expo is seeing a rebound: 21,000 exhibitors, manufacturers and vendors will be attending, including 170 new businesses -- plus a waiting list.

"This last year as credit has become more lax," Smith said. "A lot of the manufacturers are investing more in their businesses, investing more in their product."

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates this year will have a direct economic impact on the city and state of $19.4 million. That's great news to businesses like the Beer Hive Pub. This will be its first year open during the retailers show.

"You always have to double up when the outdoor retailers come to town," said Beer Hive Pub owner Del Vance. "The outdoor retailers are notorious for having a good time."

The show, which is not open to the public, kicks off Aug. 3 and runs through Aug. 6.

E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com